Floating Game Assembly and Float with Game Features

ABSTRACT

A floating game assembly including a float, a field goal post, a game mat, and a ball is provided. The float includes a body defining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The float is configured to float on a water surface. The field goal post is inflatable or is formed from a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes are connected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the field goal post, allowing the field goal post to be constructed and deconstructed. At least a portion of the field goal post can be inserted into the mount to removably secure the field goal post to the float.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/608,125 filed on Dec. 20, 2017, the entire disclosureof which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a device that allows forgame playing in an aquatic environment such as a swimming pool. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a float with gamefeatures.

BACKGROUND

During all times of the year, individuals often go to aquaticenvironments such as swimming pools (outdoor and indoor), lakes, etc.,to relax, socialize, and play games with each other. In this regard,floats, e.g., swimming pool floats, are often used by individuals at theaquatic environment to float on the water and relax. These floats takemany forms, but often times will be toroidal in shape with a centralopening where the person can sit, allowing the individual to float onthe water. Additionally, aquatic games are often played by both adultsand children at these aquatic environments. These games can include theuse of ball.

While at an aquatic environment, individuals or families may want toswitch between relaxing and playing games. This requires them to packtheir vehicles with not only floats for relaxing, but also games forplaying, along with any other equipment that they may need, e.g.,chairs, umbrellas, etc., and transport such equipment to the aquaticenvironment. Since vehicles have limited space, and, as a result, it maybe difficult to find adequate room in the vehicle to transportadditional equipment such as floats or equipment for sports and games.Furthermore, even when the aquatic environment is at an individual'shouse, e.g., a personal pool, and travel is not necessary, equipmentstorage becomes an issue. Not only does a home owner have store theirtypical and essential aquatic equipment, they must find storage spacefor their leisure equipment, e.g., floats, and equipment for sports andgames.

Accordingly, what is desirable is a float that can function both as afloat on which a person can sit to float on the water, but which canalso function as a game that can be used at an aquatic environment.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a float with game features. The floatcan function as a conventional float used at aquatic environments, andcan also function as a game that can be played at such aquaticenvironments. By combining multiple features into one compact package,the float is space-saving and easily transported. The float is uniquelydesigned to provide an enhanced experience at an aquatic environment byproviding a device to relax on, and a gameplay area into a combinedpackage.

In some example embodiments, a floating game assembly includes a float,a field goal post, a game mat, and a ball. The float includes a bodydefining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The float isconfigured to float on a water surface. The field goal post includes aplurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings. The pluralityof pipes are connected with the plurality of connection fittings to formthe field goal post, allowing the field goal post to be constructed anddeconstructed. At least a portion of the field goal post can be insertedinto and secured to the mount to removably secure the field goal post tothe float. In some aspects, the floating game assembly can include apaddle for hitting the ball.

In some aspects, the floating game assembly can include a second floatand a second field goal post. The second float includes a body defininga central opening and a mount secured to the body. The second float isconfigured to float on a water surface. The second field goal postincludes a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings.The plurality of pipes are connected with the plurality of connectionfittings to form the second field goal post, allowing the second fieldgoal post to be constructed and deconstructed. At least a portion of thesecond field goal post can be inserted into and secured to the mount toremovably secure the second field goal post to the second float.

In another exemplary embodiment, a float with game features includes afloat and a field goal post. The float includes a body defining acentral opening and a mount secured to the body. The float is configuredto float on a water surface. The field goal post includes a plurality ofpipes and a plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes areconnected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the fieldgoal post, allowing the field goal post to be constructed anddeconstructed. At least a portion of the field goal post can be insertedinto and secured to the mount to removably secure the field goal post tothe float.

In another exemplary embodiment, a float with game features includes afloat and an inflatable field goal post. The float includes a bodydefining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The float isconfigured to float on a water surface. The field goal post includes aninflatable body having a mounting post. The inflatable field goal postcan be inflated and deflated. The mounting post of the inflatable fieldgoal post can be inserted into and secured to the mount to removablysecure the inflatable field goal post to the float. The float can alsoinclude a pouch secured thereto that is configured to receive and storethe inflatable field goal post when it is deflated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating game assembly of the presentdisclosure provided in an aquatic environment, e.g., a swimming pool;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a float with game features of the floatinggame assembly of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative float with game features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a floating game assembly and floatwith game features, as described in detail below in connection withFIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating game assembly 10 provided inan aquatic environment 12, e.g., a swimming pool. The floating gameassembly 10 includes two floats with game features 14, a game mat 16, apaddle 17, and a ball 18. Each float with game features 14 includes afloat 20 and a field goal post 22. The float 20 can have an annular body24 that defines a central opening 26 providing access to a water surface28. The central opening 26 can function to retain the ball 18 if a userthrows the ball 18 into the central opening 26 of the float 20. Thefloat 20 can be formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can beinflatable. Alternatively, the float 20 can be a solid structure made ofethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The field goal post 22 generallycomprises a plurality of pipes 30 and a plurality of connection fittings32. The float with game features 14, the game mat 16, the paddle 17, andthe ball 18 are configured to float on the water surface 28 so that theyare engageable by a user. The paddle 17 is a generally rigid componentthat can be used to strike the ball 18 to “kick” the ball 18 through thefield goal post 22, discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the float with game features 14, showingthe field goal post 22 exploded from the float 20. As described inconnection with FIG. 1, the float 20 includes an annular body 24 thatdefines a central opening 26. The annular body 24 of the float 20additionally includes a mount 34 sized and configured to receive aportion of the field goal post 22, e.g., one of the pipes 30. The mount34 can be a recess or a through-hole that extends into or through theannular body 24. In such a configuration, the mount 34 can be a flexibleor a rigid PVC cup or sheath that is secured to the annular body 24 ofthe float 20 so that it extends into or through the annular body 24. Inthe case of an inflatable float 20, the mount 34 is secured to theannular body 24 so that it does not impair the structural integrity ofthe float 20, e.g., the mount 34 is sealed to the annular body 24 suchthat they annular body 24 maintains its airtight seal. The mount 34 canalso be an external structure, e.g., a rigid PVC cup, that is secured tothe exterior of the annular body 24. A portion of the field goal post22, e.g., a pipe 30, can be inserted into the mount 34 to secure thefield goal post 22 to the float 20 in an upright position. The mount 34and the pipe 30 can have a tight tolerance between them so that the pipe30, and thus the field goal post 22, is secured to the mount 34 with afriction fit engagement. The float 20 can include a counter-balanceopposite the mount 34 to prevent the float 20 from flipping over whenthe field goal post 22 is secured thereto.

As referenced above in connection with FIG. 1, the field goal post 22comprises a plurality of pipes 30 and a plurality of connection fittings32. It is recommended that the components of the field goal post 22 aremanufactured out of PVC or like materials, but is not limited to thesematerials. PVC would satisfy the required criteria of lightness,strength, and durability. The connection fittings 32 are slightly largerin diameter than the pipes 30 so that the pipes 30 can be inserted intothe connection fittings 32 to connect to each other. The pipes 30 areinserted into the connection fittings 32, and due to the tighttolerances between components, the field goal post 22 can be securelyconstructed. The plurality of pipes 30 are generally connected to theplurality of connection fittings 32 in a Y-shaped form, e.g., a U-shapedform with a single pipe 30 extending therefrom for connection to themount 34. Alternatively, the plurality of pipes 30 can be connected tothe plurality of connection fittings 32 in an H-shaped form, e.g., withtwo pipes 30 extending therefrom for connection to a plurality of mounts34. In this “H”-configuration, the float 20 would include two mounts 34sized, shaped, and spaced to match with the two pipes 30. Furthermore,it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art thatthe pipes 30 and connection fittings 32 can be of various suitablediameters. For example, the pipes 30 and connection fittings 32 can beof a larger diameter, e.g., a three inch diameter, or they can be of asmaller diameter, e.g., a one inch diameter. Smaller and largerdiameters than those listed are also contemplated by this disclosure.The field goal post 22 can also be constructed as a single unitarycomponent instead of being formed of a plurality of pipes 30 and aplurality of connection fittings 32.

The above-described construction allows the float 20 to remain intactwithout any additional modifications to allow the field goal post 22 tobe mounted to it. That is, the mount 34 facilitates the installation andremoval of the field goal post 22, while allowing the float 20 to beused by an individual as pool float when the field goal post 22 isdetached. By making the field goal post 22 easily removable, the float20 remains portable and retains the capability of being used by anindividual as a floatation device, e.g., for relaxation purposes.Accordingly, the float with game features 14 serves a dual purpose as itcan be used as a game playing device and a floating chair.

The floating game assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1 with two floats withgame features 14. However, it should be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that the floating game assembly 10 could include asingle float with game features 14, or more than two floats with gamefeatures 14. For example, if space is limited then a single float withgame features 14 can be used, or if space is not limited and threeindividuals want to play the game then three floats with game features14 can be used. The utilization of more than three floats with gamefeatures 14 is also contemplated by the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative float with game features36. The alternative float with game features 36 can be used in place ofthe first float with game features 14 shown in connection with FIGS. 1and 2. The alternative float with game features 36 includes a float 38and an inflatable field goal post 40. Similar to the float 20 describedin connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, the float 38 includes an annular body42 that defines a central opening 44. The annular body 42 of the float38 additionally includes a mount 46 sized and configured to receive aportion of the inflatable field goal post 40. The mount 46 can be arecess or a through-hole that extends into or through the annular body42. The mount 46 of the float 38 can be similar in construction to themount 34 of the float 20 discussed in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. Thefloat 38 can also include a pouch 48 secured to the annular body 42. Thepouch 48 can be a closed by a zipper or can have a cover flap. The pouch48 is configured to receive and hold the inflatable field goal post 40when it is deflated. Accordingly, the pouch 48 functions as storage forthe inflatable field goal post 40.

The inflatable field goal post 40 is an inflatable unitary structurethat includes a body 50 having at least one mounting post 52 and twouprights 54. The mounting post 52 is configured to be inserted into andengage the mount 46. The inflatable field goal post 40 is generallyY-shaped, e.g., a U-shaped form with the mounting post 52 extendingtherefrom for connection to the mount 46. Alternatively, the inflatablefield goal post 40 can be H-shaped, e.g., with two mounting posts 52 forconnection to a plurality of mounts 46. In this “H”-configuration, thefloat 20 would include two mounts 46 sized, shaped, and spaced to matchwith the two pipes 52. The inflatable field goal post 40 can be deflatedand stored in the pouch 48.

The inflatable field goal post 40 can be secured to the float 38 byinserting the mounting post 52 into the mount 46, which secures theinflatable field goal post 40 to the float 38 in an upright position.The mount 46 and the mounting post 52 can have a tight tolerance betweenthem so that the mounting post 52, and thus the inflatable field goalpost 40, is secured to the mount 46 with a friction fit engagement. Ifnecessary, the float 38 can include a counter-balance opposite the mount46 to prevent the float 38 from flipping over when the field goal post40 is secured thereto.

In an alternative embodiment contemplated by the present disclosure, thealternative float with game features 36 can be a single structure withthe float 38 and the inflatable field goal post 40 permanently securedto each other. In such a configuration, the inflatable field goal post40 can be permanently secured to the float 38 at the location of themount 46. Furthermore, the float 38 and the inflatable field goal post40 can be isolated such that their air chambers are not in fluidiccommunication. This arrangement allows the float 38 and the inflatablefield goal post 40 to be inflated separately, thus allowing a user toselectively inflate and deflate the inflatable field goal post 40. Assuch, a user can choose to only inflate the float 38 and use it as aflotation device while maintaining the inflatable field goal post 40 ina deflated condition. In this alternative embodiment, the mount 46 canfunction as a storage compartment for the inflatable field goal post 40such that when the inflatable field goal post 40 is deflated it can bepacked into the recess of the mount 46 for storing the inflatable fieldgoal post 40 out of the way.

The games provided by the present disclosure can be played in aplurality of player configurations, such as one player versus oneplayer, two players versus two players, etc. To set-up the floating gameassembly 10 for gameplay, two of the floats with game features 14 can beprovided and positioned to face opposing teams, with a predetermineddistance separating the floats with game features 14. The game mat 16 isplaced between the floats with game features 14. Optionally, the gamemat 16 can be connected to the front of the floats 20 so that thespacing of the floats 20 is maintained during gameplay. If a singlefloat with game features 14 is utilized then the game mat 16 will beplaced in front of the single float with game features 14. Once thefloating game assembly 10 is set-up, a player can throw the ball 18 intothe central opening 26 of the float 20 opposite from where the user isstanding. Various point scoring rules could be used. For example, if theball 18 is thrown and hits any part of the float 20 on a fly, threepoints could be awarded. If the ball 18 goes into the central opening26, seven points could be awarded. Further, if the ball 18 enters thecentral opening 26, there could be an opportunity to gain one more pointby “kicking” the ball 18 through the field goal post 22 with the paddle17 or with a user's hand. To prepare for the kick, the ball 18 should bepositioned at midfield, while a teammate holds the ball 18 and theplayer “kicks” it, e.g., strikes it with the paddle 17, towards thefield goal post 22. If the ball 18 goes through the field goal post 22,the player receives a point. If, in the process of kicking the extrapoint, the player “kicks” the ball 18 and it enters the central opening26 of the float 20, the player or team could win the game regardless ofscore. Further, if a player throws the ball 18 and it skims off thewater surface 28 and manages to land in the central opening 26, theplayer could receive two points. Conceivably any point and/or scoringscheme could be utilized.

To ensure a fair game, and to minimize any potentially advantagespertaining to weather, or uneven water depth, opposing players shouldchange position when the leading team reaches the following pointmilestones: twelve points, twenty-four points, thirty-six points, andforty-eight points. First team to reach fifty-four points is declaredthe winner. If during the play, the ball 18 touches the float 20 and theopposite team catches it before it touches the water 28, the opposingteam could be awarded three points. Any variations or game rules couldbe utilized.

It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that whenplaying the above described game, the alternative float with gamefeatures 36 shown in FIG. 3 can be used in place of the float with gamefeatures 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, it should beunderstood that the floats 20, 38 and the field goal posts 22, 40 areinterchangeable.

Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understoodthat the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit orscope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments of the presentinvention described herein are merely exemplary and that a personskilled in the art may make any variations and modification withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. All suchvariations and modifications, including those discussed above, areintended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1. A floating assembly, comprising: a float including a body defining acentral opening and a mount; and a field goal post, including aplurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings, wherein theplurality of pipes are connectable with the plurality of connectionfittings to form the field goal post; and wherein at least a portion ofthe field goal post can be inserted into the mount to removably securethe field goal post to the float.
 2. The float assembly of claim 1,further comprising a floating game mat and a ball.
 3. The float assemblyof claim 2, further comprising a paddle for hitting the ball.
 4. Thefloat assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a second float includinga second body defining a second central opening and a second mount; anda second field goal post including a second plurality of pipes and asecond plurality of connection fittings, wherein the second plurality ofpipes connectable with the second plurality of connection fittings toform the second field goal post; and wherein at least a portion of thesecond field goal post can be inserted into the second mount toremovably secure the second field goal post to the second float.
 5. Thefloat assembly of claim 1, wherein the float is configured to float on awater surface.
 6. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof pipes and the plurality of connection fittings allow for the fieldgoal post to be constructed and deconstructed.
 7. The float assembly ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the float or the plurality of pipes aremanufactured from polyvinyl chloride.
 8. The float assembly of claim 1,wherein the float has an annular body.
 9. The float assembly of claim 1,wherein the float is manufactured from foam.
 10. The float assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the float includes a counterbalance opposite the fieldgoal post.
 11. A floating assembly, comprising: a float including a bodydefining a central opening and a mount; and a field goal post comprisingan inflatable body having a mounting post, wherein the field goal postcan be inflated and deflated, and the mounting post can be inserted intothe mount to removably secure the field goal post to the float.
 12. Thefloat assembly of claim 11, further comprising a floating game mat and aball.
 13. The float assembly of claim 12, further comprising a paddlefor hitting the ball.
 14. The float assembly of claim 11, furthercomprising: a second float including a second body defining a secondcentral opening and a second mount secured to the second body, and asecond field goal post comprising a second inflatable body having asecond mounting post, wherein the second field goal post can be inflatedand deflated, and the second mounting post can be inserted into thesecond mount to removably secure the second field goal post to thesecond float.
 15. The float assembly of claim 11, wherein the float isconfigured to float on a water surface.
 16. The float assembly of claim15, further comprising a pouch, wherein the pouch is secured to thefloat.
 17. The float assembly of claim 16, further comprising a zipperor a cover flap for closing the pouch.
 18. The float assembly of claim16, wherein the pouch is configured to receive and hold the field goalpost when the field goal post is deflated.
 19. The float assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the float has an annular body.
 20. The float assemblyof claim 11, wherein the float includes a counterbalance opposite thefield goal post.